One of the more curious things about this storyline is Van
Helsing’s choice not to tell anyone specifically what is going on with Lucy
thus far. Van Helsing is aware that Lucy is being attacked by a vampire;
however, he does not share this knowledge with anyone else. There are several
instances in which he has the opportunity to share his insights; however he
does not. One instance in which this is exemplified is following Lucy’s death, Dr.
Steward recalls in his diary:
I stood behind Van
Helsing, and said: –
‘Ah well, poor
girl, there is peace for her at last. It is the end!’
He turned to me,
and said with grave solemnity: --
‘Not so; alas! Not
so. It is only the beginning!’
When I asked him
what he meant, he only shook his head and answered: --
‘We can do nothing
as yet. Wait and see.’ (147)
Instead of informing Dr. Steward fully of Lucy’s state, he
keeps it a mystery. I wonder why this is.
1 comment:
I think it has something to do with the state of belief. Van Helsing is not completely sure himself what is happening, but he is afraid if he says too much too early, the others will not believe him, and therein probably not listen to his expertise. Because they do not know, they do not doubt him but trust in his professional expertise. If they knew what he thought before he had more evidence, they might think him mad and discount his unusual beliefs.
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